

Best for intermediate divers, 5-31m, boat entry, mild current.
The HMAS Swan is a decommissioned Royal Australian Navy destroyer resting upright on the sandy seabed near Busselton. The wreck sits at a maximum depth of 31 metres, with the superstructure rising to 5 metres. Access is by boat only. Conditions are generally manageable with mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The site is suitable for intermediate divers, though it presents hazards including overhead environments, entanglement risks, and sharp protrusions. Large holes cut into the hull facilitate penetration for qualified divers. Species recorded around this area include various wrasses, nudibranchs, rays, and wobbegongs, while the structure itself supports soft coral growth.
-33.55097, 115.09885
November through May delivers the most reliable visibility, so plan your trip within that window if you can. Penetration of the interior is best left to divers with overhead environment experience and a torch, regardless of how tempting it looks from the hatch.
Access is via a 15-minute boat ride from Dunsborough. Dive tours are operated by companies such as Swan Dive, departing from locations like Quindalup Boat Ramp. A permit is required to dive the wreck, which can be obtained through the dive operator or, for private vessels, from the Busselton Visitor Centre. Public moorings are available at the site.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-31m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-21°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
While specific sightings vary, species recorded around this area include wrasses, nudibranchs, wobbegongs, weedy seadragons, and various rays. The wreck structure also supports soft coral growth.
No, the HMAS Swan is rated for intermediate divers due to the depth, potential for overhead environments, and wreck-specific hazards like entanglement and sharp edges.
The wreck sits on the sand at a depth of 31 metres, with the highest parts of the superstructure reaching up to 5 metres below the surface.
Snorkelling is not recommended as the primary activity due to the depth of the wreck, which sits in 31 metres of water.
The best months to visit are November through May, which offer the most reliable visibility.
No, a boat is required to reach the HMAS Swan wreck site.
Diving at HMAS Swan in Dunsborough requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced, Wreck. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near HMAS Swan in Dunsborough. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at HMAS Swan in Dunsborough. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 21°C.
HMAS Swan in Dunsborough typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at HMAS Swan in Dunsborough typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.